19My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
This is one of my favorite verses that I use to use a lot at work--especially the quick to listen because my nature is to talk and try to convince someone of my perspective. I think I needed a refresher course this morning in remembering to listen to others at work, my kids and my wife rather than reacting. My reactions aren't outward with anger but I do know sometimes inside I am stewing a bit. I may be taking this verse a little out of context but I think as a leader being quick to listen is a valuable but difficult skill.
knut
Amen to that one!
ReplyDelete3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
In James 3 it speaks of leadership directly, and to how much damage the tongue can do.
Keep up the inspiring posts!
tp